Japan finished the group stage at the Paris 2024 Olympics with a perfect three wins from three matches thanks to Kashiwa Reysol’s Mao Hosoya, who scored in stoppage time to beat Israel, 1-0, and clinch first place in Group D for the Samurai Blue.

Japan had already secured a spot in the knockout rounds after winning their first two matches of the tournament, leading Go Oiwa to rotate his squad and rest several key players in Nantes.

Leo Kokubo has been outstanding in goal all tournament and that was the case again in this match. The Chiba-born Reysol academy product was sharp and turned Israel away twice in the opening 10 minutes.

Japan slowly played their way into the match and the introduction of Yokohama F·Marinos’ Asahi Uenaka at halftime paid immediate dividends as he generated a good chance just after the break.

Former Albirex Niigata man Shunsuke Mito was also dangerous after he was substituted on, but nobody made the impact of Hosoya off the bench.

The 22-year-old #NextGenJLEAGUE talent came into the match and immediately threatened the Israel backline with his pace and presence, ultimately getting on the scoresheet in stoppage time.

Kein Sato picked up the ball on the right and searched for a teammate in front of goal, spotting Hosoya. He then delivered a pinpoint cross to the Reysol man, who calmly drilled a shot into the net, sealing the win and sparking massive celebrations among Japanese fans at Stade de la Beaujoire.

Next up for Japan will be a clash with Spain on August 2. That quarter-final will carry massive weight, with the winner guaranteed of playing for a medal, but this Samurai Blue team has shown pressure only tends to make them play better at Paris 2024.